What Is the Canadian Dental Care Plan?

The Canadian Dental Care Plan is a federal program that provides dental coverage to eligible Canadians who don't have access to private dental insurance. It's administered by Sun Life on behalf of Health Canada and is designed to help lower- and middle-income residents access routine and necessary dental care.

 The 2026 CDCP benefit grids were updated on April 1, 2026, reflecting current fee schedules for covered services. Applications for the 2026–2027 benefit year opened June 2, 2026 at canada.ca.

Who Is Eligible for the CDCP in 2026?

To qualify, you need to meet all of the following:

• You are a Canadian resident
• You filed your 2024 tax return (the plan uses your most recent tax information to assess income)
• Your adjusted family net income is under CAD 90,000
• You do not have access to private dental insurance through an employer, a group plan, or any other source

If your adjusted family net income is under CAD 70,000, there is no co-payment for covered services. If your income falls between CAD 70,000 and CAD 89,999, a partial co-payment applies — the exact percentage depends on your income band. Your dental provider bills the plan directly for the remainder.

These thresholds apply to your household income, not just your own. It's worth checking your most recent Notice of Assessment or logging into your CRA My Account to confirm your adjusted family net income before you apply.

A Note on 2025–2026 Coverage and Renewal

If you had CDCP coverage under the 2025–2026 benefit year and didn't renew by June 1, 2026, your coverage will have lapsed. There will be a gap until you re-apply and are approved for the 2026–2027 benefit year.

The good news is that applications are open now. Applying promptly means you can restore your coverage and book your next appointment without a long wait.

How to Apply for the CDCP

Here's how the process works for the 2026–2027 benefit year:

1. Check your eligibility using the criteria above. Full details are available at canada.ca.
2. Apply online through your CRA My Account, or by phone if you prefer.
3. Receive your Sun Life member card once your application is approved.
4. Book your appointment a participating clinic — like City Parkway Dental in Surrey.

Your provider will verify your coverage at the time of your visit and bill Sun Life directly for the covered portion. You're only responsible for any applicable co-payment.
Check the official Canadian Dental Care Plan eligibility and application details on Canada.ca

Does City Parkway Dental Accept the Canadian Dental Care
Plan?

Yes. City Parkway Dental participates in the CDCP and bills directly on your behalf. You bring your Sun Life member card to your appointment, and the clinic handles the rest. There's no stack of forms to fill out and mail in yourself.

This is how City Parkway Dental approaches all insurance billing. Whether you have private group coverage, no insurance, or CDCP coverage, the process is designed to be as simple as possible for you.

What Does the CDCP Cover at City Parkway Dental?

The CDCP covers a range of preventive, basic, and restorative dental services. The specific services and fee amounts are governed by the federal benefit grid, last updated April 1, 2026. Here's a general overview of what's typically included.

Preventive Care

• Routine dental exams and check-ups
• Dental cleanings (scaling and polishing)
• X-rays
• Fluoride treatments
• Dental sealants

These are the services most patients use most often, and they're a core part of what City Parkway Dental provides. Staying on top of preventive care is the most reliable way to avoid more involved treatment later on.

Basic Restorative Care

• Composite fillings for cavities
• Tooth extractions, including simple extractions
• Emergency dental visits for pain or acute issues

Other Covered Services

Depending on your coverage tier and clinical need, the CDCP also includes certain periodontal (gum) treatments, denture services, and some oral surgery procedures. Your provider will confirm what applies to your situation at the time of your appointment.

What the CDCP Does Not Cover

Cosmetic treatments like teeth whitening and dental veneers are not covered under the CDCP. Orthodontic treatment — including Invisalign and traditional braces — is also generally outside the scope of the plan. If you're interested in those services, City Parkway Dental offers flexible payment options and can walk you through the costs at your consultation.

https://cityparkwaydental.com/composite-fillings/

Booking Your CDCP Appointment at City Parkway Dental

Once your application is approved and you have your Sun Life member card, booking is simple. You can book online or call the clinic at 778-653-9700 . Let the team know you're a CDCP patient when you book so they can confirm your coverage details before your visit.

If you're a new patient, your first exam and cleaning also comes with a free Philips Sonicare toothbrush — that offer applies regardless of how your appointment is billed.

City Parkway Dental is a full-service family clinic, so whether you need a check-up, a filling, a cleaning for your child, or a more involved restorative procedure, it's all available in one place. No need to track down separate providers for different family members.

What to Bring to Your First CDCP Appointment

• Your Sun Life CDCP member card
• A piece of government-issued photo ID
• Any completed new patient intake forms (available on the clinic website)
• A list of any medications you're currently taking

The team will verify your coverage and submit the claim on your behalf. Your only job is showing up.

Book Your Appointment Today

If you're eligible for the Canadian Dental Care Plan, there's no reason to wait. Applications are open now, and City Parkway Dental is ready to welcome you.

Book online or call us at 778-653-9700. You can find full service information and book directly at cityparkwaydental.com.